The Quinta Arboretum & Walks

We are very proud to be adjacent to the Quinta Arboretum, the lifelong project of Sir Bernard Lovell our neighbour. The Arboretum offers wonderful walks amongst beautiful trees.

The Arboretum extends for about 30 acres and can only be accessed through our picnic area at the side of the pub. It was created by Professor Sir Bernard Lovell, FRS from open grassland after he purchased the property in 1948. Lovell was the driving force behind the construction of the Mark 1 Jodrell Bank telescope, which was the world's first large radio telescope. In 1996 it passed into the Hands of the Cheshire Wildlife Trust who transferred it to the Tatton Garden Society in the autumn of 2003.

The planting over the years has established the layout of the site which is divided into avenues and definite areas. The avenues and areas are named and many of them commemorate various events in the life of the Lovells.

Sir Bernard Lovell.

Two main avenues form the east-west axis of the plantation. The Reith Avenue of Tilia platyphyllos rubra (Red Twigged Limes), was planted to commemorate Bernard Lovells BBC Reith lectures in 1958. This runs south of the lake (excavated in 1963) and curves into the Jubilee Ride of Populus tacho-trico which was planted on the occasion of the Queen's Jubilee. North of the lake, Knights Avenue of Populus nigra marking the award of a knighthood leads straight into the Golden Avenue (commemorating the golden wedding anniversary of the Lovells) and to the eastern escarpment of the Dane Valley.

This route continues through the plantation to the '39 Steps' descent through the ancient woodland of the Clough and the walk along Swettenham Brook. The Clough is a steep sided 4 acre area of untreated woodland and grassland, designated as a Site of Biological Importance. Natural flora of Cheshire predominate in this area. This area remains in the ownership of Cheshire Wildlife Trust.

In the Spring of 1985 and 1986, 3.7 acres named 'Campanow' was planted with 1,700 trees, assisted by the Forestry Commission. 70% of the trees are Oak (Quercus robur), 15% Ash (Fraxinus excelsior) and 15% Norway Maple (Acer platanoides). In the Spring of 1987, an area of 4.7 acres named 'Far Field' was planted with 2,lOO trees, assisted by the Woodland Grant Scheme of the Forestry Commission. The plantation consists of 30% Oak (Quercus robur), 20% Beech (Fagus sylvatica), 20% Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum), 30% Ash (Fraxinus excelsior), Cherry (Prunus avium), Mountain Ash (Sorbus aucuparia), Norway Maple (Acerplatanoides), Field Maple (Acer campestre) and Alder (AInus glutinosa). The 420 Horse Chestnuts were seedlings from the pair of trees between the car park and the drive, planted in 1951 to celebrate the birth of the Lovell twins.

The “Hippocratic Tree”
Oriental Plane (Platanus Orientalis).

The Hippocratic Tree.

Hippocrates - the Father of Medicine - taught in the shade of the Oriental Plane on the Greek island of Cos. He lived from 460 -377 BC. The Hippocratic Collection of his writings include the Oath on which the ethics of medical practice is based. This tree was planted in February, 1964 as a seedling presented by the 6th Earl of Bradford from the ancient Oriental Plane growing in Weston Park, Shropshire. The tree in Weston Park was removed after severe damage by gales in 1985. It was over 300 years old and was believed to be a seedling from the legendary Hippocratic tree on the island of Cos. (Text by Tatton Garden Society).

The valley of the River Dane seen from the arboretum.

The southern slopes of the open grassland south of the plantations in Campanow and Far Field, are a central part of the 4 mile stretch of the River Dane valley, designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This stretch of the River Dane provides one of the best examples in Britain, of how rivers change the landscape through time. The River Dane began its history shortly after the great ice-sheets retreated from the Cheshire Plain - perhaps about 16,000 years ago. Fed by water in the south-west Pennines, and perhaps following a route cut by the meltwater streams that had once issued from the great ice-sheet, the River Dane began to cut down rapidly into the mudsands and gravels, previously laid down by the ice and melt water. The various cliffs and platforms (terraces) found throughout the valley, reflect different stages as the river cut into the plain. Modern dating methods have enabled scientists to estimate when certain river cliffs and terraces (flat banks sloping towards the river) were cut by the river. Boggy floodplain areas immediately adjacent to the modern channel have only formed since 1840, and the river is still constantly changing its course as it migrates down valley (this can be seen well by comparing the modern river course with old maps of the area and by simply looking at the landscape). In places, the river has cut down completely through the Ice Age deposits, to expose much older over 200 million year old Triassic (Keuper) rocks in the sides and bottom of the river bed.

In 1954, scientists (two of whom were former students at Jodrell Bank) measured the magnetic properties of these ancient Triassic rocks taken from the opposite side of the valley, near the Holmes Chapel viaduct. These results formed an important part of the proof of the theory of continental drift indicating that during the last 200 million years, the British Isles have moved slowly north, from the tropical latitudes to their present position, borne on one of the major plates the make up the Earth's crust. (Earthquakes are caused by the movement of these major plates. During the long period of drift of the British Isles from tropical regions, the dinosaurs evolved on earth and became extinct about 60 million years ago.) “Text by Cheshire Wildlife Trust”

The view from just inside the entrance gate. The entrance is accessed from the car park of the Swettenham Arms, through the outdoor eating area.

The View from the entrance Gate & The Swettenham Arms Picnic Area.

The main arboretum contains three thousand species of trees and shrubs, Many of these species have been grown from seed collected in various regions of the world, particularly in North America, the former USSR and Europe. There is at least one repagination of the majority of the genera listed in Bean's 'Trees and Shrubs Hardy in the British Isles', likely to survive in Cheshire. About three dozen genera are still missing and efforts are continuing to seek examples from collections. For example, the recently introduced Heptacodium jasminoides from China, the Dalmation Laburnum (Petteria ramantacea) and the rare Pofiothyrsi sinensis from China, have been secured and are thriving.

In the older parts of the arboretum, there are outstanding examples of all the known species of the Wing Nut trees (Pterocarya). The hybrid P. rehderiana attracts great interest, with its regular production of wing nuts. The Southern Beeches (Nothofagus) are well represented. There are mature specimens of N. antarctica, N. procera, N. obliqua and the particularly beautiful evergreen N.dombeyi from Chile.

Amongst other rarely seen mature trees may be mentioned the Rubber Tree (Eucommia ulmoides) from China, the Hop Hornbeam (Ostrya carpinifolia), from Asia Minor, the Butternut Tree (Juglans cinerea) and the Date Plum (Diospyros lotus). There are over forty species of Oaks, including the spectacular Pyrenean Oak (Quercus pyrenaica) and a grove of Red Oaks (Quercus rubra ). About twenty varieties of Eucalypt thrive in the arboretum; Eucalyptus coccifera and E. debeuzevillei, the Jounama Snow Gum, are particularly attractive. One of the largest trees in the arboretum, Populus gelrica, planted as a sapling in 1966, is now 50-60 feet.

There are now 73 species of pines. Amongst these, the Big Cone Pine (Pinus coulteri) from California with its huge needles and cones, is a remarkable sight, as is the Bhutan Pine (P. wa/1ichiana). A number of supposedly tender pines, presented by Mr. James Russell as seedlings from his Mexican expedition, are thriving. A group of pines grown from seed, given to Sir Bernard Lovell by the director of the Moscow arboretum in 1963, are unidentified. There are also 2 examples of the triple cross Pine (P. jefferyi x coulteri x arizonica ) grown from seed, from a plantation of the Edison Co. in America. These are probably the only trees of this type in the UK.

The arboretum contains several dozen species of the more common genera, such as Sorbus, Prunus, Aesculus, Acer, Salix, Malus and Fraxinus, all of which give flower and leaf colour in the appropriate season. Of the Cherries, Prunus conradinae and P. incisa praecox regularly flower in mid-winter. There is also a large collection of birch species, many grown from collected European seed. The Himalayan Birch (Betula utilis), planted in 1956, is believed to be amongst the largest in the British Isles.

Of particular botanical interest, are a number of graft hybrids in the arboretum. These include Laburnum adamii (on which flowers of broom, laburnum and the hybrid appear on the same branches), Mahoberberis aquisargentii and Fatshedra lizei. There are also many examples of monotypic genera such as Boenninghausenia albiflora (East Asia), Carpenteria californica, Chamaedaphne calyculata, Idesia polycarpa, Kalopanax pictus, Kowitzia amabilis, Osmaronia cerasiformis, O.xydendrum arboreum and Zenobia pulverulenta.

In addition to the collection of Pines mentioned above there are many coniferous genera. Abies is represented by more than twenty species, some of which are more than thirty years old, for example the Grecian Fir Abies cephalonica and the Colorado White Fir Abies concolor). There are large numbers of Chamaecyparis, Junipers, Picea and Thuya. The coniferous collection includes two rare trees from Tasmania - the Tasmanian Cedar, Athrotaxis cupressoides and the monotypic Diselma archeri. Amongst the Larches, Larix kurilensis from the Kurile Islands, planted in 1979, is now a large tree rarely seen outside botanical gardens. Another monotypic conifer is the Japanese Umbrella Pine (Sciadopitys verticellata), which is now 30 years old. The Swamp Cypress (Taxodium distichum) is growing out of the lake. There is an extensive collection of flowering shrubs; the soil is acid and rhododendrons, camellias and magnolias dominate in the spring and early summer. On the slopes to the valley, there is an unusual collection of lilacs; where Syringa sweginzowii and S. tigerstedtii from China, attract much attention. The arboretum contains examples of uncommon flowering shrubs, such as the winter flowering Sycopsis sinensis from China, the North American Holodiscus discolor, Rehderodendron macrocarpum from West China and the 'Salt Tree' (Halimodendron halodendron). from Siberia.

There is an avenue of Red Twigged Limes (Tilia platyphyllos rubra) and an avenue of Lombardy Poplars (populus nigra italica). There is a rhododendron,R Sutchuenense a native of Szechwan at 5,000- 7,000 feet normally flowering in February. On the hill, is a multi-stemmed Cornel (Dogwood) from China (Cornus kousa chinensis). In June, the white bracts are the conspicuous part of the flower, larger than the Japanese Cornus kousa, in flower at the same. There is a row of Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris) and White Poplar (Populus alba), planted in 1952.

The Jack Pines (Pinus banksiana) were grown from seed collected from different regions of Canada. The large multi-stemmed tree immediately south of the ride is the hybrid wing nut pterocarya fraxinifolia (Caucasian Wing Nut) and south west of this avenue Pterocarya stenoptera (Chinese Wing Nut) may be found. The large tree to the south of this notice is the Hop Hornbeam (Ostrya carpinifolia). Further to the south, against the hedge, is an Evergreen Southern Beech (Nothofagus dombeyi).

Several trees are outstanding, especially the Snake-Bark Maple (Acer rufinerve) from Japan, the Weeping Silver Lime (Tilia petiolaris) and the Arizona Ash (Fraxinus vefutina). Although the number of different species and genera are established in The Quinta index, the total number of trees and shrubs growing in the arboretum and forestry areas is not known precisely, but it has been estimated at some 25,000.

An area (3.7 acres) was planted with 1,700 trees, assisted by the Forestry Commission. 70% of the trees are Oak (Quercus robur), 15% Ash (Fraxinus excelsior) and 15% Norway Maple (Acer platanoides). There is a plantation consisting of 30% Oak (Quercus robur), 20% Beech (Fagus sylvatica), 20% Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum), 30% Ash (Fraxinus excelsior), Cherry (Prunus avium), Mountain Ash (Sorbus aucuparia), Norway Maple (Acerplatanoides), Field Maple (Acer campestre) and Alder (AInus glutinosa). The 420 Horse Chestnuts were seedlings from the pair of trees between the car park and the drive.

The arboretum is situated in the village of Swettenham, between Holmes Chapel and Congleton (OS Ref.800672). Access is via the car park of the Swettenham Arms. A small sign points through the outdoor area to the small gate into the arboretum. It is open every day of the year (except Christmas Day) during daylight hours and has about 5000 visitors per year, spread throughout the season. (Text by Tatton Garden Society).

For more information on The Swettenham Arms please contact us on
Telephone: 01477 571284 or Email: info@swettenhamarms.co.uk

Dane Valley Walks

The Dane Valley is one of the hidden gems of the Congleton area. The River has cut a course though the soft sand and gravels of the Cheshire Plain to create a scenic wooded valley. This is rich dairy country, with prime grazing for the county's famous cattle.

Tucked away in the valley is Swettenham home to the Swettenham Arms and St Peter's Church which was built in the 13th century, possibly on the site of a much older building. Some of the original half-timbered structure can be seen in the north wall, although the rest of the church was encased in brick in 1720. The Swettenham Arms, once a nunnery, is opposite and was said to be linked to St. Peter's by an underground passage.

Swettenham Mill on Midge Brook was built as a corn mill, but more recently was used to power heavy timber cutting machinery. The woods behind are known as Daffodil Dell and were a favourite outing in the spring for local people. Swettenham Meadows above the brook are full of wildflowers all summer long, and today are managed as a nature reserve by Cheshire Wildlife Trust.

A route from Brereton Heath Country Park crossing the River Dane through to Swettenham and the Swettenham Arms - 4.5 miles.

Start in the car park at Brereton Heath (pay & display)

Turn right out of the car park along Davenport Lane and cross the A54. Follow the bridleway beside Davenport Farm down into the Dane Valley.

Cross the river and follow the track up the hill into Swettenham village towards St Peters Church and The Swettenham Arms Inn.

Turn right opposite the churchyard, over a stile next to a bungalow. Then follow the path through several fields, keeping the hedge on your left until the final length before the road.

Turn left at the T junction along Congleton Road and drop down the hill to Swettenham Mill. Carry on up the hill and take the first lane on the left.

Drop down and cross Midge Brook. Climb up the hill to the T junction and turn right. Turn right again onto the footpath which will take you down to the brook and back up across Swettenham Meadows.

Turn left onto the track and left again opposite Ash Tree Farm.

Turn left again at the T junction back into the village and turn right by the telephone. Retrace your steps from the church back through Dane Valley to Brereton Heath.

Walk Information by Cheshire County Council.

See consultingarboristsociety.co.uk

We ask that all visitors to the arboretum keep dogs on leads and generaly respect the area which is a lifetimes work. Visitors will find an honesty box at the gate and are asked to pay a contribuition of £2.00 which helps towards the upkeep of this wildlife sanctuary.

Winter Opening Times:
11.30am - 3pm and 6.30pm -11pm Mon to Saturday. 11.30am - 11pm Sunday

Summer Opening Times:
11.30am - 3pm and 6.30pm -11pm Mon to Friday. 11.30am - 11pm Saturday and Sunday

For more information on The Swettenham Arms please contact us on
Telephone: 01477 571284 or Email: info@swettenhamarms.co.uk